What action can a government take to acquire private property for public use?

Eminent domain is the legal process that allows a government to acquire private property for public use, provided that the owner is compensated fairly. This authority is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. The process typically involves the government determining a need for the property (such as for infrastructure projects like roads or schools) and then negotiating a sale price with the owner. If a resolution cannot be reached, the government can proceed with a court process to finalize the acquisition, ensuring that the property owner receives adequate compensation for their loss.

This process is critical for ensuring that public interests can be served while also protecting the rights of property owners. Other options, such as revoking ownership or selling by the owner, do not pertain to the legal framework enabling government acquisition of land for public projects. Similarly, "promissory action" is not a recognized legal term or process associated with property acquisition.